Audi SQ5 2012-2017 review

Because, while it’s a classy, practical and desirable family 4x4, which has comfortably been dominating rivals such as the BMW X3 and Volvo XC60 on both European and global sales, the Audi Q5 has also always been a slightly soulless car to drive. Competent, refined and secure, but just a bit dynamically ordinary.

It is powered by the 335bhp, 516lb ft twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 diesel from the A6 and A6 Allroad and that mighty multi-cylinder diesel certainly makes the Q5 quick. Audi’s claim is for 0-62mph in a smidge over five seconds, in a class where the fastest BMW X3 only just squeezes in under six seconds, and most other rivals struggle to beat seven.

But in reality, the SQ5’s performance doesn’t feel quite that outstanding. This is a brisk drive, but the car’s short-shifting, occasionally slipping eight-speed automatic gearbox and very linear power delivery do kill the performance drama a little.

Audi AG’s own chassis development team has taken 30mm out of the regular Q5’s ride height, stiffened its springs and anti-roll bars and specified new, stiffer fixed-rate dampers. The kinematics of the suspension — camber, castor and toe angles, in other words — haven’t been altered.

Our test car, equipped with Audi’s optional variable-ratio Dynamic Steering system, had plenty of purpose and grip about it but lacked a little simple coherence and progressiveness in its handling responses, and both feedback and consistency from its controls.

Although fast and stable, it was barely any more involving than its lesser range-mates on a really testing road. It bamboozled the driver, instead, in a never-ending search for the best Drive Select settings, and confused slightly with unpredictable steering weight and directness.

The SQ5’s ride, too, leaves a little to be desired. The car’s chassis isolates you from noise well enough and reins in roll quite well. The ride quickly becomes restless as the road’s surface begins to rise and fall, though, as those new dampers attempt — and often fail — to keep vertical body movements in check with any subtlety.

There are two trims to choose from - SQ5 Plus and SQ5 Plus Special Edition. The 'entry-level' as much as you can describe it that, comes with a wealth of equipment, with the outside being adorned with 21in alloy wheels, a sports-tuned suspension, active sounding twin exhaust, parking sensors and xenon headlights as standard. Inside there is tri-zone climate control, heated and electrically adjustable front seats, a Nappa leather upholstery and Audi's MMI infotainment system complete with a 7.0in display, DAB radio, Bluetooth, USB connectivity, sat nav and a 40GB hard drive.

Upgrade to the SQ5 Plus Special Edition model and you'll find a Bang & Olufsen audio system, a reversing camera, keyless entry and go, and a panoramic sunroof included in the package.

So should you buy one? Well, it depends if you’re really looking for a driver’s car — because, according to Audi’s own figures, most Q5 owners aren’t.

Considered as a less specialised range-topping option for the Q5 range, the SQ5 makes a strong enough case for itself. It mixes class-leading costs of ownership with serious ground-covering performance, understated Germanic design appeal and a cabin that can be considered outstanding in its quality, richness and space.